Roger Chitwood was reportedly abducted from his home in DeSotoCountyFlorida on 08/12/75. Chitwood's body was then discovered 08/14/75, in the Kissimmee River within OkeechobeeCounty. From evidence, it is obvious that Chitwood was murdered and intentionally placed in the body of water.

Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

Those who have withheld information about the homicide - and are not involved - will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

1980 Homicide

Merritt Wheeler Sr.

During 10/08/1980 the body of 36yoa Merritt Wheeler Sr. was discovered in Horse Creek near the bridge at CR 769 within DeSotoCountyFlorida. Based on the facts from the scene, it was clear Wheeler had suffered substantial injury before being placed into the body of water. Merritt Wheeler is a victim of murder.

Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

Those who have withheld information about the homicide - and are not involved - will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

1986 Homicide

Austin Hannah

During 07/13/1986 Austin Hannah was discovered murdered within his vehicle, "Standard Cab", along Highway 17 within the Fort Ogden Community of DeSoto County. Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

Those who have withheld information about the homicide and are not involved will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Anyone with information as to Kelsi or Kellie, is requested to call DET SGT Kim Sandoval of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700 or National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE LOST).

1996 Home Invasion Robbery/Homicide

Julian Mendiola

On 12/24/96 Julian Mendiola died as a result of a Home Invasion Robbery in his home at 2173 NE Goolsby Ave. Investigators discovered that two masked assailants had entered the home demanding money. Mendiola was shot when he resisted his attackers.

Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto Co. Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

Those who have withheld information about the homicide - and are not involved - will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

1999 Homicide

Joseph Kinville

On 03/01/99, the body of 16yoa Joseph Kinville was discovered in a field off Robin Road within DeSotoCountyFlorida. Kinville did suffer injury that resulted in his death.

Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

Those who have withheld information about the homicide - and are not involved - will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

2000 Missing Persons Case

Marjory Randolph

72yoa Marjory or Kathy Randolph [also known as Kathleen Richards] was last known to reside in DeSotoCounty during the summer of 2000. At the time, Evelyn Allen, of 1509 SE Eucalyptus Avenue, was providing her care. Ms. Allen passed away in October of 2000, and after her death the location of Randolph has been undetermined. Ms. Randolph suffered a stroke some years prior, and may have a difficult time communicating or differentiating reality.

Anyone with information as to Randolph is requested to call The Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSotoCounty Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.

2001 Missing Persons Case

Donald Manley

Donald Manley was reported missing during 10/02/01. His vehicle was later found in remote SarasotaCounty.

Anyone with information as to Mr. Manley is requested to call Lieutenant Kim Sandoval of the DeSotoCounty Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.

2003 Homicide

John Welles

During 07/08/2003 the body of 17yoa John Welles was discovered in a body of water across from his residence off Hansel Road in DeSotoCountyFlorida. Welles was last known alive after returning from Wal-mart the same afternoon and went the area alone to complete the last of his days chores. Determined after autopsy was the fact Welles was the victim of murder.

Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

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2004 Missing Persons Case

Simmoni Berry

50yoa Simmoni Berry, of 11758 SW Anne Avenue, can last be accounted for 09/12/04. Berry's vehicle was found abandoned near the home. Also missing was Berry's dog, a Pekinese breed. Nothing additional appeared missing from the home. Berry's disappearance includes suspicious circumstances.

Anyone with information as to Berry is requested to call Lieutenant Kim Sandoval of the DeSotoCounty Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.

2006 Homicide

Eileen Seymour

The body of Ms. Eileen Seymour was discovered in her home at lot 103, 1625 NE Fiveash Street in DeSoto County Florida on March 02, 2006. From the scene it is obvious that Seymour died as a result of homicide. Information as to the death of Ms. Seymour is being sought and such information could lead to a reward. Please contact Lieutenant Kim Sandoval (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous.

2008 Homicide

Leon Brady

During 10/23/2008 Leon Brady was killed near his home in the Nocatee Community of DeSoto County. Anyone with information as to the offense against Brady is asked to call Lieutenant Kim Sandoval of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

2009 Unresolved Death Investigation

During 10/01/2009 Christopher Deon Smith was found deceased within his home in the Nocatee Community of DeSoto County. Anyone with information as to this investigation is asked to call LT Kim Sandoval of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.